Similarities Between Macbeth And The Kite Runner

Despite the matter that both Macbeth and Amir betrayed the people closest to them, they developed contrasting characteristics. While Amir’s demeanor became guilty and remorseful, Macbeth shifted into a cold and intense rendition of his former self.

For the duration of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Amir felt guilt so vehemently that he could hardly stand himself and he realized that the only means to free himself of this was through forgiveness. Dissimilar to Amir, characters such as Banquo and Fleance in Macbeth by William Shakespeare had no desire to forgive because they were blinded by revenge. In The Kite Runner, Amir went through a journey of pain and grief that ultimately allowed him to forgive himself of his past by insuring Hassan's

son, Sohrab, safety and affection. “For you a thousand times over” (Hosseini, 328). This quote said by both Hassan and Amir resembles the love and loyalty they have for each other as well as Sohrab.

As Amir said this to Sohrab before chasing after the kite just as Hassan did, he was using it as a way to resemble his newfound affection and devotion to both. In Amir’s own way, it was him declaring that he will always be there for his childhood friend and his son. By these actions, this freed him of the torment of his past he placed upon himself. Unlike the forgiveness shown in The Kite Runner, Macbeth was a book consumed by fury, a need for revenge, and blame. “O treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou may ’st revenge —O slave” (Shakespeare, 3.3 25-26). These final words from Banquo to Fleance foreshadows that Fleance will seek his revenge on Macbeth. In addition, this gives the reader an impression that Banquo wants his as well, even from the grave. Following this scene, Banquo achieves his revenge by frightening Macbeth at the banquet. This results in in the beginning of his madness that ends up revealing who he really is to everyone. As Macduff and Fleance begin to realize this, they make plans to murder Macbeth. This gives not only Fleance,

but as well as everyone Macbeth has harmed their revenge. What these characters didn’t come to think of was the chance at redeeming themselves from their horrible deeds, they believed more killing was the only solution because they were driven by rage.
What made The Kite Runner distinctive to Macbeth was their guilt and the lack thereof.

While Amir was consumed by guilt leading to his pursuit of redemption, Macbeth felt none and continued his path of killing. After not doing anything while Hassan got raped, Amir didn’t want to see or hear of him. He became distant and planned on ways to rid himself of reminders of that day. “Baba would dismiss them, there would be some pain, but life would move on. I wanted that, to move on, to forget, to start with a clean slate. I wanted to be able to breathe again” (81). Amir believed that if he pushed away Hassan he would not have this deep feeling of remorse within him. Upon realizing this, he plants evidence of stealing that will convince Baba to fire him and his father. Once he has accomplished this, he discovers that had not gotten rid of the feeling, only increased its impact. Amir went on to live with this feeling for years later causing him to set out for redemption making him happier. If he had not felt these things, he would have had the ability to continue these acts that tortured the people around him. Like Macbeth, this could have led to him being miserable as well. Although in the beginning Macbeth did think of the consequences, he later disregarded them and though only of what he would gain from his acts of horror. “The moment on ’t; for ’t must be done tonight, And something from the palace; always thought That I require a clearness. And with him— To leave no rubs nor

botches in the work— Fleance, his son, that keeps him company, Whose absence is no less material to me Than is his father’s” (3.1 150-156). This quote from Macbeth to the murderers shows that Macbeth is only focusing on the outcome for him while neglecting the effects it may inflict on others. Here, he is explaining that killing Banquo and his son Fleance is important to his status as king and that this act of murder can not bring suspicion on to him. If he still had feelings of remorse or guilt, he would come to the conclusion that he is planning on killing one of his closest friends as well as his son to keep his reputation as a king. These lack of feelings are what bring him to his downfall.
What really differentiated the two books are compassion and admiration. While Amir was full of it for Baba and Hassan, Macbeth lacked it and became cold towards everyone he was once close with.
Amir, without knowing it at times, was full of love for his family but most importantly Hassan. "Some day, Inshallah, you will be a great writer," Hassan said. "And people all over the world will read your stories. You exaggerate, Hassan,” I said, loving him for it” (29). This quote shows the love and compassion between the two boys that one would think nothing could ever break. It allows the reader to see how close Amir and Hassan are and how they both cherish their time together. These feeling towards each other are what cause them to both feel so deeply about the events in the alley. They allow for Hassan to keep his loyalty towards Amir because their bond is strong, but it is also is the cause of Amir feeling such a powerful sense of guilt because he betrayed what they had. Unlike Hassan and Amir, Macbeth and Banquo lost all compassion they held for each other due to Macbeth’s need for power. “So is he mine; and in such bloody distance That every minute of his being thrusts Against my near’st of life. And though I could With barefaced power sweep him from my sight And bid my will avouch it, yet I must not” (3.1 132-136). After killing Duncan, Macbeth lost all compassion he had ever held towards anyone, this quote proves that. Macbeth plans to kill Banquo, his friend, because he is paranoid that he will ruin his life as king. If Macbeth had felt any compassion towards Banquo, he would have rethought his plans, but instead he is allowing his newfound power consume him.
Macbeth disregarded all feelings that had the ability to stop him from making decisions he would later come to regret. In addition, his ability to become king blinded him from seeing what was to come of his actions. Amir, dissimilar to Macbeth, held onto his feelings allowing him to feel guilt which led to his gain of redemption.